10.27.2008

congo watch: a bad day for goma

Well. I think it's safe to classify today as a Bad Day for Goma. Here's a quick recap of weekend events:

Nkunda's forces recaptured the Rumangabo army camp on Sunday. This is a major base for the Congolese army. It's the same base that Nkunda captured two weeks ago, then handed back to the army at the request of the MONUC peacekeepers.

They also captured the headquarters of Virunga National Park. Which just happens to be stocked with the radios, weapons, and uniforms the park rangers need to do their jobs of protecting the wildlife in the park.

Government troops are in retreat towards Goma, which is south of Rumangabo.

MONUC may go after the rebels with its helicopter gunships soon. They just have to be sure they aren't firing on government forces or civilians.

Nkunda's spokesman, meanwhile, says that MONUC peacekeepers may be shot at as well. "In these conditions it is difficult for the CNDP to differentiate between the troops," he told Reuters. Yeah, 'cause those blue helmets aren't distinctive at all.

I haven't heard from any of my contacts in Goma, which is a sure sign that things there are very bad. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.